How close to Christmas do you wait to buy presents?

[NHScutback]

Last Christmas I spread out purchases and bought far too early (bargains picked up throughout the year), stuffed it all under the bed in the spare room, and promptly forgot what I bought people. I started off smug but by Xmas had far too much stuff stored up (which I've since farmed out as birthday presents for others during the year so not a complete waste), duplicate presents, etc. DD then decided she wanted something different come December than her September request, Gah! Plus I then got caught up in the Christmas shopping atmosphere / hysteria and bought loads more! I suspect my bargain hunting seriously backfired into a huge bill.
This year I am determined to be able to hoover under the bed until November but am already itching to buy stuff. What if they get sold out? etc . What do you do?

[Ismeyes]

I did the same as you over the last two years, so I didn't learn the first time! The trouble is that I get soooo excited about Christmas that I can't resist. I'm trying to be careful this year, but I must admit to already having made a few additions to the present cupboard and I have pre-ordered a big present for DD, but it shouldn't come until October, so that is an improvement!

[OvO]

I'm feeling antsy as I've only bought 4 presents so far! But both my boys have November birthdays and I need to spread the cost. I'm now wishing I'd started months ago.

[NHScutback]

Yes me too, it's the excitement isn't it? I am not too bothered about shopping in general except for Christmas either. Am very of your present cupboard.

[LordOfTheFlies]

I've already bought a present ( for me from DH though he doesn't know it .Nothing extravagent, they were earrings half price.I'd been coveting them for ages)

I always buy when I see.Then you don't have to try and find it again -or not if it's sold out.

DS has his birthday in Dec so he does a list and we decide what he'll get for each.

DD always changes her mind so hers are last minute.
I've been running round Sainsbo , 2 days before Christmas,buying her clothes to pad out her present pile, especially if there's a special offer.( She loves clothes BTW)

DS doesn't think clothes are a proper present.
Two years ago we went to every flippin shop to get Rabids Go Home. Eventually found on Amazon, delivered 24th Dec. Phew!
All part of the fun!

[NHScutback]

4 presents bought already!! . I have no birthdays to hold me back / release some of the tension either, we are mostly December through Summer borns.

[JarethTheGoblinKing]

After my September paycheck, and I start a spreadsheet detailing what I've bought and how much it cost. Very handy for making sure I don't forget anybody and keeps an eye on the budget

Mostly it makes sure I don't buy 3 presents for one person and nothing for another

[NHScutback]

Buying presents 2 days before Christmas; deliveries on 24th Dec??

[OvO]

It would be a lot more than four but DH keeps insisting on spending our money on the council tax and petrol for the car, etc.

The bastard.

[NHScutback]

What a bastard, grounds for divorce.

[Megastar]

I have bought all the kids presents already this year, I have had to as this includes 9 kids(not all mine but family) and 4 of them have birthdays in Dec too! if I didn't spread the cost it would be impossible( i am on maternity leave). Plus I always think that if anything happened financially now then at least the kids get prsents and adults would understand. I am lucky though that my kids aren't old enough yet to do the whole changing their mind!

[OvO]

Yeah, and if I divorce him I don't need to buy him a present. Win win.

[crazykat]

I've started on the kids and have got half of the youngest three's presents, DSD will mostly get cd's/dvd's so will leave it a bit closer. Pressies for the adults will be bought in november.

I always buy DC's pressies when I see them (aged 3.5, 2.5 and 9months) as they aren't at the age when they have specific things they want and change their minds at the last minute. Plus their birthdays are two weeks before christmas, four weeks after and six weeks after respectively. Plus there's another 11 close family birthdays (including mine and DH's) between november and february. Buying things on offer helps keep costs down.

[NHScutback]

Ok, I am seriously twitching now. We have 2 DC and 8 cousins to buy for. Plus various adults. If I start now I will spread costs, no last minute rush, etc. Hmm, but I know i will end up same dusty mess as last year. Will hold on for mid October at earliest methinks.

[seasidesister]

I wait til December. Like to do my christmas shopping when it feels chrismassy We dont spend that much in our families.

[NHScutback]

seasidesister I used to be like you, did all my shopping on Xmas eve some years. I don't know where it all went wrong.

[Fatshionista]

I've started. I'm making fudge and individual cakes for friends and family and only buying for my DD's and DSS but since we're on such a low income having to start now is a necessity.

[bibbitybobbityhat]

I might buy the odd thing in November, if I am in the mood. Otherwise I usually set aside the first week of December for present buying.

[Mousey84]

Im not sure I understand the "spreading the cost" theory - surely you could just put some in a savings account each payday? Or do surveys liked valued opinons, toluna etc and save amazon vouchers up for xmas?

I do both, and buy throughout the year if I see a particular bargain, and have a list on my phone of what I have bought already.

Picked up £130 of yankee candles for £65 at the weekend - about £40 were for gifts, the others were cause I had saved so much money that I could afford to buy myself and DD our favourites (thats orchard pear, cafe au lait and tutti frutti btw)

I have a cupboard to store them, and fabric and ribbon for giftwrap all in my christmas cupboard (plus a mixed spice bundle for that christmas-y smell every time I open it) A checklist on back of door ensures I havent forgotten anyone. I am a little bit craft-y (as in arts and crafts!) so I tend to need all of December shopping-free in order to panic stitch the rest of the gifts ;)

[trixymalixy]

I have a spreadsheet and a budget for each person and write down what I have bought so I don't overbuy.

I like to look out for bargains, for example I have a budget of £5 for friends' children, but I like to try and buy presents that are worth more. This year most are getting playmobil that was £10 originally reduced to £5. If I left the buying too close to Xmas, I probably wouldn't manage to get something so good.

I always leave a bit of the DCs budget until the last minute in case there's a last minute change of mind though.

[pissedrightoff]

This is the first year I have done this but will hopefully do the same from now on.
Save £50 per month Jan-July. Buy all Christmas presents.

Continue to save £50 per month to buy stocking fillers,Christmas jammies, Festive food and drink etc.

I also do all my grocery shopping online and will put a little something for Christmas in the basket each week from end of October.

For me it means that Christmas is paid for and organised early just leaving me a bit of fun shopping for extras nearer the time.